Online live concert set to benefit FORK

Feed Our Rural Kids helps feed Eagle River area children during pandemic

On Saturday evening, May 23 Feed Our Rural Kids, Inc. (FORK) will present a two-hour online fundraiser with a goal of $40,000. It is Bret and Frisk and Friends – A Concert for the Kids.

“Those kids are the children from food insecure homes who receive nutritional support from FORK throughout the year,” explained FORK president Perry Pokrandt. “What makes our goals realistically possible is the fact that between now and Memorial Day, for every dollar donated to FORK, Margaret Baack and Mike McAdams of Land O’ Lakes will match FORK’s collected donations up to $20,000.”

“It is our hope that by partnering with FORK, we can help those children from the growing number of food insecure homes within the Northland Pines School District,” said Baack. “It is our belief that this gift from our family will encourage other families to donate what they can at this time. Five dollars, $20, $100 or more, every dollar will make a difference to those kids.”

Pokrandt said the organization is “overwhelmed” by the couple’s generosity.

The online concert will be broadcast on YouTube 6-8 p.m., Saturday, May 23. The link to the YouTube concert can be found on FORK’s website, FeedOurRuralKids.org or on FORK’s Facebook page at Feed Our Rural Kids.

Bret and Frisk, a popular local musical duo will host the event, along with six of their musical friends from around the area. The artists include Taylor Rae Bolte, Scott Kirby, Michael Saint, Mark Wayne, Pete Stoltman, Chris McFarland, and Mark and Michelle Zanoni.

“There has never in memory been a Memorial Day weekend like this one,” offered Bret Miller. “The unusual and tragic circumstances around the COVID-19 pandemic means show is possible. Without this national challenge we could never have brought this much talent together during the summer season.”

“This is a chance to kick back and watch or listen from the comfort of your own home, out on your deck, sitting by the campfire. You and your family can enjoy the best of this new kind of Memorial Day Weekend,” said Frisk Miller. “Even more than that, it is a chance for those who can, to donate, and have it make twice the difference because of this matching grant.”

Feed Our Rural Kids was created to provide nutritional support to school-aged children from food insecure homes within the Northland Pines School District. Currently, FORK is providing children just over 1,000 meals a week through their Meals NOW program. The cost of the first phase of their pandemic support to the Northland Pines School District was $24,000.

“This fundraiser is to help Feed Our Rural Kids provide phase two of FORK’s pandemic support. Phase two will be a 1-month extension of the Meals NOW program through June at a cost of $8,000. It will also help raise the money for two months of the FORK Cares program with a cost of almost $13, 000,” explained FORK vice president and Northland Pines District Administrator, Scott Foster. “This COVID-19 experience has been a challenge for the district to find ways to get children food and FORK has been with us every step of the way.”

“FORK invites you to be part of this amazing community event this Memorial Day weekend,” Pokrandt said. “You will find the link to Bret and Frisk and Friends by going to FORK’s Facebook page at Feed Our Rural Kids orgo to FORK’swebsite at FeedOurRuralKIds.org.

Feed our Rural Kids is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization and donations are tax deductible under the new relaxed guidelines of the Cares Act.

Individuals wanting to donate can go to feedourruralkids.org to contribute by credit or debit card or mail a check to FORK, 4887 Echo Ridge Drive Eagle River, WI 54521.